Boost your business in 2024 with these top 10 global b2b eCommerce marketplaces

An entrepreneur’s dream is to shop and trade without any hassle. As the world has shifted towards globalization, online shipping in B2B marketing has become a convenient choice. According to the estimated B2B e-commerce marketplace, GMV worldwide is 31.19 bn USD. Now, Asia and North America have the highest gross merchandise volumes. The U.S market is likely to bring around 2 trillion sales by the end of 2024.

A B2B marketplace relates to business transactions between manufacturers and suppliers. Plenty of B2B marketplaces are performing well and have been welcoming suppliers and manufacturers from around the world. To choose a platform one needs to look at certain criteria to choose an essential and reliable B2B platform.

Out of many things, a B2B e-commerce platform is, it should be secured, well recognized in the market, and should be customized to attract targeted customers. Now, as the world is introduced to Metaverse, businesses should consider creating a space on Metaverse to grow their digital presence.

How can businesses optimize product listings for B2B platforms?

A section on optimizing product listings can provide valuable insights for businesses seeking to maximize their visibility and appeal on B2B e-commerce platforms. Clear, professional, and compelling product listings can significantly enhance a company’s chances of attracting high-quality leads and securing sales. Key points could include:

• Use High-Quality Images and Videos: High-resolution images and videos showcase the product details and build trust. B2B buyers expect transparency and clear visuals to evaluate product quality.
• Provide Detailed Product Descriptions: Include clear and specific information about product features, specifications, dimensions, materials, and any unique selling points. Detailed descriptions help potential buyers make informed decisions.
• Incorporate SEO Keywords: Research and integrate relevant keywords in product titles, descriptions, and tags. Using terms that target the platform’s search algorithm can increase visibility in search results.
• Highlight Certifications and Standards: Many B2B buyers look for certified and verified suppliers. Emphasize any relevant certifications (e.g., ISO, FDA) to boost credibility.
• Offer Bulk Pricing Options: Clearly display volume discounts or wholesale pricing options, as B2B customers often purchase in bulk and seek cost-effective deals.
• Use Buyer-Focused Language: Address the buyer’s needs and pain points in the product listing. Consider how the product solves specific challenges or adds value to their business.

Now, you need to explore and lookout for the best B2B marketplace to add a sheer experience to enhance your business in 2022.

Source: Statista

Top 10 Global B2B E-Commerce Marketplaces

1. eWorldTrade

eWorltrade has been on the top of the list for a long time. They are a global platform that connects manufacturers and suppliers on a platform from around the world. The wide range of buyer and seller directories is one of their unique selling points. Day by day, because of its positive image, vendors, suppliers and manufacturers are joining eWolrdTrade to meet their targets. As it is called the highest growing B2B platform, eWorldTrade is the place for a business to join to gain reliability and make a visible name in the market.

The basic goal of the company is to make a cost-effective platform for businesses. It is a secured platform with SSL certification. They help new businesses in building a global clientele and keep a track of every operation on their platform.

2. Alibaba

Alibaba is another highly acknowledged online B2B platform for manufacturers and suppliers to join. It is a Chinese private platform that bagged a GMV of 9.9 trillion is expected to spike by 14 trillion yuan in 2022. Alibaba has the mission to expand their business and make business easy for everyone. It is a prestigious global brand active in 190 countries.

Alibaba is an end-to-end trading platform and is a middle man to manufacturers and suppliers. One of the fine qualities about Alibaba is Verified Main Products, which a product gains after passing the inspection test.

They cater to various products such as machinery, jewelry, housewares, etc. Alibaba does not require to invest in warehouses and offers to trade at flexible prices.

3. Tradewheel

Tradewheel is a global B2B marketplace where businesses from diverse industries can sell their products to other companies. It is one of today’s most trusted platform for global traders who want to discover new opportunities and strengthen cross-border trading. It also help businesses enhance their brand visibility across multiple countries and regions. With its online marketing capabilities, Tradewheel makes it easier for businesses to widen their reach and attract more clients.

The platform is also built with lead generation capabilities to help businesses gain more high-quality buyers. Using a human-to-human approach, Tradewheel’s international sales managers make sure that every business can establish a strong digital presence and potentially boost their exports.

Moreover, the platform provides business owners with a global buyers and sellers business directory that contains a massive list of suppliers, wholesale businesses, and product offerings from all across the globe. Whether for a small or large-scale enterprise, Tradewheel ensures immense growth and development opportunities for every type of business from various industries, such as apparel, agriculture, health, fashion, beauty, and more.

4. Amazon Business

Amazon helps to reach millions of buyers and sellers, and it is a friendly platform for any manufacturer and supplier. It is trusted; by over 5 million businesses and has a simple rule of joining it. Amazon offers the buyers a guide to learn and contact trusted suppliers.

Amazon Business provides their clients with exclusive prices discounts and allows their clients to promote their plans and products. Amazon is one of the leading B2B names with sales revenue of $19 billion, and the value of products purchase is estimated to shoot by $59 billion.

One of the outstanding aspects of Amazon’s business is their tax exemption to ease the business transaction process and help the business to save.

5. Global Sources

The global source is a highly recognized international B2B platform that has been running for more than 50 years. It is a platform that connects multiple buyers and sellers and is a Hong-Kong based company. They have been one of the reasons for many businesses’ growth as they welcome international buyers and sellers. The global source says;

‘Forging a greater future together’

Global sources are among the pioneers of the B2B platform. They are trusted for their intelligence and reliability. The craft solutions for the buyers and sellers and welcomes clients from diverse backgrounds. Global Sources caters to all platforms, from small businesses to big names. It is highly recommended in the Asian market. 

One of the sheer qualities about Global Source is their representation in the Hong Kong Trade Fair. It identifies their ample knowledge in the Western market. Global Sources looks for bigger prospects and helps their clients build a potential name in the market. 

6. Made-in-China

It is the platform for Chinese buyers to connect with global buyers. Their platform has millions of products where they deal with around 17 industries. Made-In-China was founded to cater to small and large enterprises. They have transformed themselves from a B2C platform to a B2B platform.

Made-In-China was established to make the B2B experience easy for buyers and sellers. One of the aspects about buyers is verified, they are verified on the site by SGS or Bureau Veritas for audited supplier status. The audited suppliers help in verification and to keep up the authenticity of suppliers.

This marketplace offers great services and it is one of the platforms to a lookout. It is growing rapidly and is a convenient platform where one can trade easily and safely.

7. eBay Business Supply

eBay was founded in the early 1990s, they were a C2C platform but now is upgraded as a fully functional B2B platform. They have the aim to welcome and work with merchants for growth. One of the principles of eBay is to guide and assist their clients throughout.

They work with the idea of teamwork and that is why they have set up professional teams. They receive above 786 million visits on their websites. They have introduced a directory of buyers and sellers for easily carrying out business transactions.

It is a cost-effective platform and it is one of the platforms to choose from this year. They integrated a financing option for the buyers and sellers to help them buy equipment and connect buyers with sellers for their growth.

8. ECPlaza

The ECPlaza started operating in 1996, this B2B platform has grown as the top platform providing services to offline and online members. The company is not limited to running an e-commerce business but has expanded to working as trade consultants and EDI services. It is the platform that welcomes enterprises from every stage.

EC Plaza has a fair name due to its soft policies and business opportunities. If a business wants to grow and make a potential presence in the market ECPlaza is the best place to go. They do not only connect buyers and sellers but they offer prestigious services to their clients.

EC Plaza is a futuristic platform that is planning to make trading transactions even more convenient by building a “One-Stop Trading Network”. The program will help in easing the trade cycle.

9. EC 21

EC 21 is another B2B marketplace that has made it to the top of the list. They have over 2 million members connected with them and are growing. The Korean-based company connects buyers and sellers from around the world. They have been catering and opening opportunities for small to medium businesses.

The platform works with the audience as it has a friendly interface and it is easier for the users to navigate easily by typing in the keywords. Because of its capabilities in technology, and international trade, they are a highly trusted name in the global market.

EC 21’s Buyers Central is one of its highly efficient features. They are looking forward to making a sustainable name in the future where businesses can experience the best growth.

10. AliExpress

AliExpress did not start as a B2B platform at first. It is the platform that is created for small to medium-sized businesses that cannot afford to buy materials and products at high rates. They help in building up the stature of startups to struggling businesses.

It is one of the highly trusted places to shop. They have a well-maintained name in the trading sector. They have a worldwide representation and are the first choice of small businesses. AliExpress welcomes millions of users from around the globe to join and work with them.

They have a swift working website where one can easily carry out their e-commerce transactions. AliExpress is one of the critically praised names with safe and secure payment methods.

Conclusion

Numerous B2B platforms are working as full-fledged platforms. To enhance your business this year, it is better to consider the criteria and the platforms mentioned above. Choose a platform that is approaching sustainability and has a reliable social presence.

Key Insights

• Global Market Value: The global B2B e-commerce marketplace has an estimated GMV of 31.19 billion USD, with Asia and North America leading in volume.
• U.S. Market Growth: The U.S. B2B e-commerce market is projected to reach around 2 trillion USD in sales by the end of 2024.
• Platform Selection Criteria: When choosing a B2B platform, it is crucial to consider security, market recognition, and customization options to attract targeted customers.
• Metaverse Potential: Businesses are encouraged to establish a presence in the Metaverse to enhance their digital footprint and engage with customers in innovative ways.
• Top Platforms: Leading B2B e-commerce platforms include eWorldTrade, Alibaba, Tradewheel, Amazon Business, Global Sources, Made-in-China, eBay Business Supply, ECPlaza, EC21, and AliExpress.
• Diverse Industry Coverage: These platforms cater to various industries, from machinery and electronics to apparel and health products, offering comprehensive solutions for different business needs.
• Trust and Verification: Many platforms, such as Alibaba and Made-in-China, emphasize the importance of verified suppliers and secure transactions to maintain trust and authenticity.
• Growth Opportunities: Platforms like ECPlaza and Tradewheel provide tools and services to help businesses enhance their brand visibility, generate leads, and expand their global reach.
• Support for Small Businesses: Platforms like AliExpress and EC21 are particularly supportive of small to medium-sized enterprises, offering cost-effective solutions and easy-to-navigate interfaces.

FAQ

1. What is the global market value of the B2B e-commerce marketplace?
   The global B2B e-commerce marketplace has an estimated gross merchandise value (GMV) of 31.19 billion USD, with significant contributions from Asia and North America.
2. How is the U.S. B2B e-commerce market expected to grow by 2024?
   The U.S. B2B e-commerce market is expected to reach around 2 trillion USD in sales by the end of 2024.
3. What factors should be considered when choosing a B2B e-commerce platform?
   When choosing a B2B e-commerce platform, it is important to consider factors such as security (SSL certification), market recognition, and customization options to attract and engage targeted customers.
4. Why is establishing a presence in the Metaverse recommended for businesses?
   Establishing a presence in the Metaverse is recommended because it allows businesses to grow their digital footprint, engage with customers in innovative ways, and stay ahead of emerging digital trends.
5. Which B2B platforms are considered top choices in the market?
   Top B2B platforms include eWorldTrade, Alibaba, Tradewheel, Amazon Business, Global Sources, Made-in-China, eBay Business Supply, ECPlaza, EC21, and AliExpress.
6. How do platforms like Alibaba ensure the authenticity of suppliers?
   Platforms like Alibaba ensure the authenticity of suppliers through verification processes such as the Verified Main Products program, where products undergo inspection tests before being listed.
7. What industries do these B2B platforms cater to?
   These B2B platforms cater to a wide range of industries, including machinery, electronics, apparel, agriculture, health, beauty, and more.
8. How do platforms like Tradewheel and ECPlaza support business growth?
   Platforms like Tradewheel and ECPlaza support business growth by providing tools for lead generation, brand visibility enhancement, and comprehensive business directories to connect buyers and sellers globally.
9. What makes AliExpress a preferred choice for small businesses?
   AliExpress is a preferred choice for small businesses due to its cost-effective solutions, easy-to-navigate interface, secure payment methods, and global reach, helping small enterprises and startups thrive in the competitive market.
10. What role does security play in choosing a B2B e-commerce platform?
    Security plays a crucial role in choosing a B2B e-commerce platform. Secure platforms with SSL certification ensure safe transactions, protect sensitive data, and build trust among buyers and sellers, which is essential for successful business operations.

By Jenny Chang

Jenny Chang is a senior writer specializing in SaaS and B2B software solutions. Her decision to focus on these two industries was spurred by their explosive growth in the last decade, much of it she attributes to the emergence of disruptive technologies and the quick adoption by businesses that were quick to recognize their values to their organizations. She has covered all the major developments in SaaS and B2B software solutions, from the introduction of massive ERPs to small business platforms to help startups on their way to success.